Kapit Division, Sarawak - SHABAB AL SHARIF

Riverfront Wilderness and Indigenous Heritage

Kapit Division, nestled deep in the heart of Sarawak’s interior, is a region of majestic rivers, dense jungles, and timeless traditions. Known for its longhouses, river travel, and rainforest biodiversity, Kapit represents Sarawak’s true upstream soul.

Formation & Historical Background

Officially formed in 1973, carved out from Sibu Division
Historically inhabited by Iban, Kayan, Kenyah, and Penan peoples
Once accessible only by boat via Rajang River, now connected by road
Plays a central role in preserving Orang Ulu and Dayak cultures

Basic Information

Category	Details
Division Name	Kapit Division
State	Sarawak
Division Center	Kapit Town
Area	Approx. 38,934 sq. km (largest division in Sarawak)
Population (2025 est.)	Approx. 130,000+
Main Ethnic Groups	Iban, Kayan, Kenyah, Penan, Malay

Districts in Kapit Division (3 total)

District Name	Administrative Center	Known For
Kapit	Kapit Town	River transport, Iban longhouses, Fort Sylvia
Song	Song Town	Traditional longhouses, forest resources
Belaga	Belaga Town	Bakun Dam, Orang Ulu tribes, remote upriver communities

Local Governance & Representation

Position / Role	Name (2025 est.)	Remarks
Resident (Commissioner)	Encik Daniel anak Tadau	Oversees rural planning and connectivity
District Officers	Based in Kapit, Song, and Belaga	Focus on interior access, native land, heritage
MPs & ADUNs	Represent vast rural territories	Support development, indigenous rights, ecology

Key Features & Attractions

Rajang River – Main lifeline for transport, trade, and culture
Fort Sylvia (Kapit) – Historic Brooke-era fort turned museum
Bakun & Murum Dams – Major hydropower projects in Belaga
Iban Longhouses – Multi-family traditional homes along riverbanks
Penan Villages – Semi-nomadic rainforest communities
Jungle Trekking & River Safaris – Untouched nature experience

Economy & Livelihood

Logging & Timber (historically) – Now shifting to sustainable forest practices
Agriculture – Hill rice, pepper, fruits, rubber, subsistence farming
Fishing & Hunting – Traditional practices among riverine communities
Handicrafts – Beadwork, rattan products, sape musical instruments
Hydropower – Energy generation from Bakun & Murum supporting Sarawak grid

Transport & Connectivity

Traditionally accessible only via express boats from Sibu
Now partially accessible by Pan Borneo Highway extensions & rural roads
Express boats still operate to Song, Kapit, Belaga
Rural airstrips (Belaga) and ferry points used in certain areas

Education & Healthcare

Boarding schools for interior students
Rural schools and literacy programs in longhouse areas
Kapit Hospital, Belaga Hospital, clinics in Song and remote zones
Mobile clinics and riverboat healthcare outreach

Culture & Local Cuisine

Deeply rooted in Iban and Orang Ulu customs
Rituals: Ngajat dance, Hornbill Festival, Gawai Dayak
Foods:
- Kasam ensabi, Manok pansoh, Pucuk ubi rebus, Wild boar curry
Musical heritage: Sape (traditional guitar), gong music

Summary

Kapit Division is Sarawak’s untamed heart—where rivers replace roads, and ancient ways of life still thrive. It is a land for adventurers, researchers, and those seeking authentic indigenous connections amidst lush rainforests and flowing waters.